technical brief silamol - frontline growing products · 4*-".0-technical brief silamol...

Technical Brief

SILAMOLTechnical producT descripTion

applicaTion, usage, and preparaTion

ingredienTs and composiTion

core Technology research

field crop Trial reporTs

AGRO-SOLUTIONS

SILAMOL TECHNICAL BRIEF

SILAMOLImportance of bioavailable silicon supplementation to agricultural crops Fertilization with bioavailable silicon (silicic acid) de-

creases negative impact of stress conditions like heat,

drought, salinity, pests and diseases on quality and

yield. SILAMOL contains a high concentration of sta-

bilized silicic acid. Silicic acid is the only plant available

form of silicon. Once assimilated by plants, silicic acid

is transported through the xylem to the cells of stems,

foliage and fruits. Then it is stored in cell membranes,

creating a mechanical barrier strengthening cell walls

and increasing crop’s natural defense mechanisms.

Silicic acid also has a measurable affect on nutrient up-

take and utilization so many crops see increased Brix,

nutritional value, and overall improved health.

Silicon reduces stress and improves plant growth in 3 unique ways

1. Silicon acts as a physical/mechanical barrier in cell

walls

2. Silicon acts as a modulator of metabolic defense

reactions to stress situations

3. Silicon improves absorption of micro nutrients in

plants

Silicon is a real plant strengthener by providing a

natural way of protection. Crops are often exposed

to stresses and silicon’s benefits are most obvious

during stress conditions. The impact of silicon on yield

and quality of commercially grown crops is impres-

sive. Since crops can now protect themselves against

adverse stress conditions, as an added advantage less

chemical crop protection products may be used.

SILAMOL contributes to sustainable agricultural

practic-es, including preserved production and

quality levels while potentially lowering overall

fertilizer inputs.

SILAMOL technologyThe core of the SILAMOL formulation is 100% bio-

logically available soluble form of silicon called ‘silicic

acid’. The beneficial effects of silicic acid have long

been studied and documented in scientific literature.

However, the unstable characteristics of silicic acid

have made it practically difficult to apply in agricul-

ture. Scientists have only very recently found a way to

stabilize the highly unstable silicic acid. All SILAMOL

formulations contain this stabilized bio-available silicic

acid.

SILAMOL characteristics

• Consists of bio-available silicon (Si) plus key micro-

elements

• Unique synergy between silicon and molybdenum

(Mo), which enhances nitrogen utilization

• Applicable through the rootsystem (drip irriga-

tion) and the leaves (foliar spray)

• Compatible with fertilizers and crop protection

products

• Environmentally safe and non-toxic, approved for

biological/organic growing in Europe

• Applicable on all kinds of crops and all types of

growing systems

AGRO-SOLUTIONS


Application ratesApplication rate is 5 oz of SILAMOL mixed in 50-60

gallons water per acre. If more water is used, keep the

same dosage (1:000).

Application frequencySpray 4 times pre-flowering starting when the first leaf

is visible and 4 times after flowering.

Continual fruiting crops: every 10-12 days during the

cycle.

Turf: every 15 days during season

Mixing instructionsImportant: No premixing

1. First add clean water

2. Add SILAMOL at recommended dosage, mix well

3. Add remaining fertilizers, additives, and crop

pro-tection products

4. Spray within 4-8 hrs maximum

ALSO COntAInS nOnpLAnt FOOD InGREDIEnt 0.08% Monosilicic Acid ( Si(OH)4 ) from Potassium

Silicate


SILICOn and StRESS RESIStanCESilicon enhances resistance to biotic stress We have performed dozens of controlled studies with

our research partners on numerous crops and pests/

diseases. SILAMOL shows significant postive effects in

preventing or minimizing the affects of the below listed

pests and diseases. Since SILAMOL is not a pest control

product, but rather works to increase the natu-ral

defense systems of the plant, it is likely to see similar

effects on crops, pests, and diseases not listed here.

SILAMOL is compatible and effective with any crop.

Diseases

• Rice blast

• Powdery mildew

• White mould

• Botrytis

Pests

• Psylle

• Aphids

• Stem borer

Silicon enhances resistance to abiotic stress • Climate stress

• Heat stress

• Drought stress

• Salinity stress

• Chemical stress

• Nutrient imbalance (P deficiency, N excess, etc.)

• Heavy metal toxicity (Al, Cd, Mn, As, Fe)

Silicon acts as a physical barrier (passive) • Silicon deposits in cell walls, strengthens cells

• Cuticle–Si double layer hypothesis

Silicon triggers defense reactions (active) • Biochemical/metabolic responses

• Induction of defense reactions

Silicic acid increases nutritional uptake • Higher Brix is shown to resist many pests and

disease

• Increased plant sap pH resists fungal infections

• Combined with boron increases fiber development

for sturdier plant tissue


SILICOn MEChanICaL baRRIERSilicon (Si) double layer hypothesis

(Yoshida S., 1975. The physiology of silicon in rice. Tech. Bull. n.25., Food Fert. Tech. Centr., Taiwan)

Silicon is deposited in the out layer of the cell membrane, just beneath the waxy cuticle. This creates a solid barri-

er around each cell, protecting against pathogens, fungi, and insects that attempt to penetrate the cell wall.

Untreated rice cells

Rice cells treated with silicic acid


EFFECtS OF SILAMOL On FungaL attaCkS

treated with silicic acid Untreated

• Non-inoculated: only 2 of 28500 genes respond

• Inoculated by powdery mildew: 3970 of 28500

genes respond

• Most of the genes that respond are defense relat-

ed, stress related and energy related genes

Conclusion: SILAMOL will positively affect a plant by

directly stimulating defense responses against plant

pathogens and by restoring the normal activity of the

primary metabolism through stress alleviation

Conducted by dr. Richard Bellanger from Universite Laval, Canada


EFFECtS OF SILAMOL On PESt attaCkS

About 30% of the South African sugar cane crop is lost each year to the stalk borer larvae which burrows into

the stalk of the plant. Sugar cane treated with silicic acid develops such strong cellular structure that the larvae

is unable to penetrate and literally ruins its mouth parts. In performed trials, the 30% crop loss was reduced to

almost zero.


EFFECtS OF SILAMOL On ShELF LIFE

Harvest and handling create micro-abrasions on the fruit surface. Damaged cell walls leach toxins into the fruit,

which attracts fungal infection and accelerates rotting and decay. Strawberries treated with silicic acid during

growth have more rigid cell walls and experience less damage during harvest, thus extending shelf-life and mini-

mizing occurance of fungal infections.

CRA CNRItaly 2009- Valentini- Metodiche RMI: caratteristiche generali e risultati applicativi sui vegetali

SILAMOL


EFFECtS OF SILAMOL On FRuIt StRuCtuRE

In addition to better resistance against harvest damage, SILAMOL has been shown to increase internal structure

and increase freshness of a variety of crops. This is in part due to the direct effect of silicic acid on cell wall devel-

opment. In addition, SILAMOL has a possitive affect on the uptake and availability of other nutrients, often

raising brix levels and mineral content.

CRA CNRItaly 2009- Valentini- Metodiche RMI: caratteristiche generali e risultati applicativi sui vegetali

SILAMOL


CroP Dosage aPPliCation

Cereals

Rice 6.5 oz per acre At raising with herbicides

Durum Wheat 6.5 oz per acre At raising with the herbicide or fungicide. At blossoming/earing with fungicides.

Soft Wheat 6.5 oz per acre At raising with the herbicide or fungicide. At blossoming/earing with fungicides.

Fruit

Kiwi 5 oz per acre Every 10 to 15 days from pre-flowering to onset of ripening

Peach 5 oz per acre After fruit set

Strawberry 5 oz per acre Every 10 to 12 days from pre-flowering throughout the harvest

Apple 5 oz per acre Repeat applications every 10 to 15 days

Pear 5 oz per acre Repeat applications every 10 to 15 days

Grape 5 oz per acre Every 10 to 15 days from pre-flowering to onset of ripening

Melon 5 oz per acre From initial flowering every 10 to 12 days

legumes

Potato 5 oz per acre Every 8 to 10 days during most intense growth

String bean 5 oz per acre Repeat applications every 10 to 15 days

Vegetables

Pepper 5 oz per acre After initial flowering every 10 to 12 days

Onion 5 oz per acre Every 15 days during the critical phases of the productive cycle

Garlic/Scallion 5 oz per acre Every 8 to 10 days during most intense growth period

Processing Tomato 5 oz per acre Every 8 to 10 days during most intense growth period

Eggplant 5 oz per acre Every 8 to 12 days from transplant to full production phase

Tomato 5 oz per acre Every 8 to 12 days from transplant to full production phase

Leek 5 oz per acre From the initial phases every 12 to 14 days

Cucumber 5 oz per acre From the initial vegetative phases every 12 to 15 days

Zucchini 5 oz per acre From the initial vegetative phases every 12 to 15 days


The science BIOCHEMICAL SEQUENCING OF NUTRIENTSIt is important to understand that plants have a defined biological sequence of nutrient uptake. This starts with

Boron, which stimulates the root system to leach sugars into the medium. These sugars feed the microbes, which

transform silicates (Si) into silicic acid through a process called silicification. Silicic acid enhances Calcium uptake,

followed by Organic Nitrogen (from L-Amino Acids), Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium.

These elements should be present in a bioavailable form to plants. If one nutrient in this sequence is not avail-

able (or less available), the uptake of all other elements in the sequence is more difficult or missed. It is very

important to respect this sequence in order to avoid mineral deficiencies and/or nutrient uptake problems.

A common nutrient problem in agriculture is Calcium deficiency. This is because Calcium is immobile, meaning it

doesn’t naturally move into and throughout plant tissue. Also, Calcium is pushed away by other minerals that are

often added in large quantities, such as Nitrogen (as Nitrates) and Potassium.

Looking at the chart above we can see that Calcium is near the beginning of the sequence. And if Calcium up-

take is limited in any way then all other nutrients uptake and availability will be affected. There are many other

problems with Calcium deficiency that will be discussed later.

One of the best ways to increase Calcium availability and uptake (other than chelating with L-amino acids) is to

optimize Silicon levels in the form of Silicic Acid. This is the beginning part of the biochemical sequence. In most

environments, silicic acid is rarely available because of the limited soil micro-life that naturally convert silicon into

silicic acid. Even if a grower is adding a silica supplement (not in silicic acid form), virtually all of the silica remains

in the soil until it is converted, which can take many weeks to months for any meaningful conversion.

Sugars

Magnesium

Mg++

Potassium

K+

Boron

BSilicon

SiCalcium

Ca++

Nitrogen

NPhosphorous

P

MICROLIFE

BioavailableSilicic Acid& Minerals


Adding bioavailable silicic acid, as in SILAMOL, helps to increase the uptake and availability of Calcium and thus,

all other nutrients. This is the natural mechanism and is far more efficient than any synthetic method. Unfortu-

nately diagnosing plant problems is usually not as simple as observing leaf discoloration or growth patterns.

Re-ally these symptoms are just clues, not answers. Most of the time growers need to look deeper to assure

proper diagnosis, treatment, and later prevention.

ANTAGONISTIC ACTION OF NUTRIENTSIt is very important to understand how certain nutrients react with each other. If you don’t understand these

interactions, you may over-supplement with a specific nutrient in attempt to correct a deficiency.

Not all deficiencies are caused by a lack of nutrients! For example, Calcium deficiency may be diagnosed due to low Calcium levels OR because there are high levels of Nitrates (NO3). Nitrates ‘push’ Calcium away and can block

absorption.

So you should use organic Nitrogen instead of inorganic Nitrogen, which is high in Nitrates. Many modern syn-

thetic fertilizers contain primary Nitrates or other salt-based forms of nitrogen. The salts are the most common

cause of tip burn, nutrient antagonism, and weak plant growth (more on that later).

The antagonistic action of nutrients shows how overdoses of certain elements can lock out or displace another

element. This list shows which elements react with each other. Understanding nutrient antagonism makes diag-

nosing deficiencies and excess more difficult, but ultimately more accurate.

Most nutrients usually work together. But this is not always the case. If Phosphorus is in excess it brings in more

Nitrogen to the plant, unbalancing the nutrition. At the same time it also limits Zinc, Iron and Copper. Optimum

nutrition is achieved by balancing the nutrients in the medium.

K Ca N Ca MgZn Fe Cu B Mg P K Ca Mo

Primary Nutrients Secondary Nutrients

N KP Ca Mg S


eleMents in eXCess nUtrients UsUallY aFFeCteD

Nitrogen Potassium, Calcium

Potassium Nitrogen, Calcium, Magnesium

Phosphorus Zinc, Iron, Copper

Calcium Boron, Magnesium, Phosphorus

Magnesium Calcium, Potassium

Iron Manganese

Manganese Iron, Molybdenum, Magnesium

Copper Molybdenum, Iron, Manganese, Zinc

Zinc Iron, Manganese

Molybdenum Copper, Iron

Sodium Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium

Aluminum Phosphorus

Ammonium Ion Calcium, Copper

Sulfur Molybdenum

These problems arise often when growers attempt to create their own ‘custom’ nutrient recipe from multiple

product lines from different companies. Unless a grower is highly scientific, this practice results in overdose and

deficiency of specific nutrients.

The plants get into wild swings of deficiencies and lockout that result in decreased yield and quality. By using a

balanced, high-quality, specifically formulated nutrition system, plants can maximize their genetic potential.

WHY MODERN PLANT NUTRITION CREATES ANTAGONISM

Perhaps you’ve noticed that each of these core concepts touches all the others. Plants are systems—intricate,

delicate, and intertwined systems of biochemical reactions happening constantly within and around the plant.

Modern plant nutrition, often called ‘NPK agriculture’ is based on the idea that if we add the major nutrients

needed, plants will grow. Nature will always find a way to survive despite mistakes we may make. But that

doesn’t mean that our crops are optimal.


NPK agriculture has shown us that this simplistic approach is not effective. Our crops are less nutritious, more

susceptible to pests and disease, our soil is dead and infertile, and crop yields are actually decreasing around the

world.

Perhaps the most important concepts that can begin to fix this issue is the principle of nutrient antagonism.

In a growing medium, nutrient molecules are constantly pushing and pulling at each other based on form and

electrical charge. This ‘dance’ is fundamentally important to how well plants are able to uptake and assimilate

nutrients.

NPK agriculture doesn’t do a very good job of looking at balance of soil mineral contents and fertilizer inputs.

Properly structured soil and balanced fertilizer programs helps to balance the activity of nutrients and simulate

natural environments.

Consider this…visit a virgin rainforest. The vastness and density of the vegetation is mind-boggling. The fruits

and flowers are massive and intensely flavored. They are also the most nutritious food found anywhere. How is

this possible without human interaction? It’s because nature has found ways to balance nutrients through micro-

bial activity, natural soil remediation, and biological systems.

It is impossible to fully replicate these intricate systems in isolated indoor (and many outdoor) environments. But

we can learn from the biological rules and see many of the same benefits.

INSECT AND FUNGAL ATTACKS Most growers have been raised and educated with the idea that

pests and disease are simply a part of life. They plant their garden,

fertilize, spider mites show up, they spray with pesticides (even

organic), and hope for the best.

This is horrible thinking and extremely destructive to yields, quality,

and even the planet. If we are to increase our production and quality

of crop then we need to appreciate the rules nature established to

deal with these invaders.

WHEN PESTS ATTACK

The first rule to understand is that nature uses insects, fungi, and other pathogens as decomposers and recyclers.

The big pests cut up and break down big chunks into small bits that the small pests decompose further and

convert back into base level compounds (like nutrients, sugars, etc.). This process serves an important function in

nature: getting rid of what’s bad and recycling it into something useful. In other words, these so called “pests” are

actually our friends.

“Insects and disease are the symptoms of a failing crop, not the cause of it. It’s not the over-powering invader we must fear but the weakened condition of the victim.” - William Albrecht


Of course, when they invade your crop, they don’t quite seem like friends. Instead they are ruthless enemies bent

on your destruction (or at least your plants). Because these attacks threaten to damage a grower’s livelyhood, the

first response is retaliation, usually in the form of chemicals.

So, the question begging to be asked is, why are these decomposers attacking your crop? The answer comes

from the second important rule of crop pests: plants request the attack.

Go back to the days when you learned about natural selection. And think about the videos of lions attacking

an antelope. Nature demonstrates that predators attack the weakest in the herd. This is a natural and import-

ant process to ensure that the healthy strong members (i.e. healthiest, smartest, best genetics) survive and can

reproduce to carry on the species.

This is the same process in your crop; the main difference is that plants are stationary. So they have built mecha-

nisms to signal their natural predators (insects, fungi, bacteria) to attack and destroy them when they are weak.

Plants have all sorts of different signaling mechanisms. Some are for their individual benefit (pollination, attack

prevention, food sources, attracting fungus to protect roots, etc.); some are for group or species benefit (as in,

“kill me so my healthy sister can survive”).

These signals come in all forms, such as colors and aromas to attract pollinators, through hormones and chemi-

cal release, and some simply by emitting specific frequencies that attract specific insects. This is a broad area of

plant science and varies greatly between plants so we won’t get into specifics here. The important discussion is

how to get the plant to send the good signals and not the bad.

HEALTHY PLANT, HEALTHY SIGNALS

Healthy plants are able to focus their energy on higher-level functions like producing chemicals, oils, resins, and

aromatic compounds that are usually intended to perform a function of attraction or defense. For example, some

plants produce oils that are toxic to their natural predators. If the plant is healthy, the predator may attack but be

killed by the toxin (research the neem tree), thus the plant is able to survive and reproduce. If that same plant is

sick and is lacking the tools to produce the oil, when the same predator attacks, it lives and is able to consume

the plant.

ALL plants have these systems built into them; otherwise, their species would be destroyed within a few gener-

ations. In a healthy growing environment the occasional plant may lack the nutrition to produce it’s defensive

mechanism and be removed, but mostly the plants have healthy nutrition, and are able to naturally resist any

attacks.

How do we raise the health of a plant then and keep it healthy in an agricultural environment? There are two

indicators that have a tremendous influence on the overall health of a plant. Both can be measured relatively

easily with some specialized instruments. But that’s not always practical. Fortunately, even without testing there

are specific techniques that will help your plants get healthier.


the Quality Factor: BrixThe most common agricultural understanding of Brix measurement is the level of sugars within the plant tissue.

The guy that created the Brix scale (Adolf Brix) defined it as the sugar content of an aqueous solution. This mea-

sure has been used for long time to test fruit like grapes and apples for ripeness. The higher the Brix level, the

riper, more flavorful, or more ready the crop is for specific applications like winemaking.

However, there’s not just sugar (specifically sucrose) in plant tissue. There are many other compounds floating

around in healthy plants like amino acids, vitamins, phytohormones, minerals, etc. These all have an effect on the

Brix reading. Because of this effect, more and more researchers are expanding (or loosening) this reading to the

total dissolved solids in a solution. Even though Brix was originally designed to test only sugar levels, it is quickly

becoming accepted as a key measure of overall quality and health.

FrUits Poor aVerage gooD eXCellent Disease Free

Apples 6 10 14 18 16

Avocados 4 6 8 10

Bananas 8 10 12 14

Cantaloupe 8 12 14 16 16

Casaba 8 10 12 14 16

Cherries 6 8 14 16 16

Coconut 8 10 12 14

Grapes 8 12 16 20

Grapefruit 6 10 14 18

Honeydew 8 10 12 14 16

Kumquat 4 6 8 10

Lemons 4 6 8 12

Limes 4 6 10 12

Mangos 4 6 10 14

Oranges 6 10 16 20


FrUits Poor aVerage gooD eXCellent Disease Free

Papayas 6 10 18 22

Peaches 6 10 14 18

Pears 6 10 12 14

Pineapple 12 14 20 22

Raspberries 6 8 12 14 15

Strawberries 6 10 14 16 16

Tomatoes 4 6 8 12 18

Watermelon 8 12 14 16

grasses Poor aVerage gooD eXCellent Disease Free

Alfalfa 4 8 16 22 14

Corn, Sweet 6 10 18 24 24

Corn, Young 6 10 18 24

Grains 6 10 14 18

Sorghum 6 10 22 30

VegetaBles Poor aVerage gooD eXCellent Disease Free

Asparagus 2 4 6 8

Beets 6 8 10 12

Bell Peppers 4 6 8 12

Broccoli 6 8 10 12

Cabbage 6 8 10 12


VegetaBles Poor aVerage gooD eXCellent Disease Free

Carrots 4 6 12 18

Cauliflower 4 6 8 10

Celery 4 6 10 12 15

Cow Peas 4 6 10 12

Endive 4 6 8 10

English Peas 8 10 12 14 14

Escarole 4 6 8 10

Field Peas 4 6 10 12

Green Beans 4 6 8 10 14

Hot Peppers 4 6 8 12 12

Kohlrabi 6 8 10 12

Lettuce 4 6 8 10 12

Onions 4 6 8 10 13

Parsley 4 6 8 10

Peanuts 4 6 8 10

Potatoes, Irish 3 5 7 8 13

Potatoes, Red 3 5 7 8

Potatoes, Sweet 6 8 10 14

Romaine 4 6 8 10

Rutabagas 4 6 10 12

Squash 6 8 12 14 15

Turnips 4 6 8 10

These Brix level charts are generally credited to Dr. Carey A. Reams.


Most important to understand about Brix is the affect on the plant. First, if there are more sugars and other bene-

ficial components like minerals and amino acids (building blocks), the plant is able to build more good stuff (oils,

flavors, resins, etc.). This makes the plant tastier and healthier to us. At the same time, decomposing insects and

pathogens don’t like these compounds.

If you have a healthy plant reading a high Brix level, a spider mite for example, will not be attracted by the plant.

The high mineral content makes the plant repulsive to the mite so it leaves. Natural resistance with no artificial

and toxic chemicals used.

Every plant has different ideal Brix levels and many can be found online. Most important to understand is that

raising the Brix is a good thing and should be a primary goal of growers. So how can you raise the Brix level in

your plants?

Proper mineralization. This is the key to everything. One of the main reasons why plants get sick (low Brix) is lack

of the tools to create the good stuff. Getting more minerals (in proper form) into your plants is going to raise the

Brix level and provide the tools that the plant needs to produce other natural immune compounds.

A key to this is silicic acid and L-amino acids. Both of these compounds help to increase the bioavailability (ab-

sorption and transport) of minerals into and throughout the plant. The less the plant must work to bring in food,

the more it is able to bring in. More minerals equal higher Brix.

Calcium plays a key role in increasing Brix level. Since calcium is immobile AND near the beginning of the bio-

chemical sequence of uptake, it’s absorption affects most of the rest of the minerals. If calcium availability and

uptake is optimized, then all other mineral uptake will be more balanced and effective.

Also, mineral salts (from cheap chemical fertilizers) can be detrimental to mineralization. Excessive salts cause

imbalance and are toxic to living tissue and cause stress that further weakens the plant. In a truly diverse organ-

ic environment where soil micro-life and plants are working fully in their place, pest problems are isolated or

non-existent.

the Health Factor: pHEvery grower knows pH is an important measurement

for any fertilizer input. And most growers have instru-

ments to measure their feed solution. Most also know

that the pH of the medium is a big factor in the availabil-

ity and absorption of nutrients. What fewer growers un-

derstand is the importance of the pH of the plant itself.

pH of plant sap

pH of growing medium

pH of feed solution


Plants are living biological systems just like us. And the same rules apply. For example, if you have a plant in-

fected with powdery mildew (a systemic fungal disease), you are guaranteed to have a low plant sap pH (under

about 5.5). The good news is if the pH is raised, powdery mildew will not appear, because the plant will send a

different frequency signal that will NOT attract fungus.

There are many topical application products like potassium bicarbonate and sulfur burners that treat mold

problems. All they are doing is raising the pH of the leaf surface which kills and prevents the fungal spore from

surviving. Unfortunately, these are topical treatments. Some pathogens like powder mildew get inside the plant

and resist these treatments. The only way to combat a systemic disease is a toxic chemical treatment OR fix the

plant’s insides. pH is the tool for this.

One important note: it’s much more difficult to raise a plant’s pH if it is already infected. Most bad infections and

pathogens exude acidic compounds that continually lower the pH. The best approach is to keep a plant healthy

from the beginning. This creates an environment that naturally resists the attacks from the beginning.

A side benefit of increasing your plant’s pH is that it becomes healthier for you as well if your goal is consump-

tion. Since our health is a result of pH balance, by eating more alkaline foods increases our body’s natural

resistance to disease. In fact, there is a growing body of research and stories of destroying established cancer

and other diseases simply by raising the alkalinity of the body!

Raising a plant’s pH level is more difficult, especially with short term crops. Once a plant is sick or under attack

with only a few weeks left till harvest, you probably won’t cure the problem, only treat the symptom. At this

point topical treatments may be required. But remember that chemical applications further stress the plant and

invite more problems.

Calcium and magnesium have alkaline effects on a solution (raising pH). Because Calcium is immobile and tends

to lock up in the soil, deficiencies are common. Magnesium is often deficient because of the antagonistic effect

of potassium. If you can optimize calcium and magnesium uptake with L-amino acids and silicic acid, the pH will

increase and stabilize.

SOLUTIONS TO INFECTIONS AND ATTACKS

Remember that these fungi and pests are attracted to plants with a low pH and Brix, or unhealthy in some other

way. If growers can raise these two important factors most of their problems with pests and disease will be elimi-

nated. Plus, the healthier plants will produce more at higher quality.

Proper mineralization is the key. Getting more proper form of nutrients into the plant tissue from the very early

stages of growth, ensure overall health. The Agro Solutions Approach is to increase health of the plant from early


stages through proper balanced nutrition and increased bioavailability.

Understand this doesn’t mean feed more and more of certain ‘good things’. Proper form, bioavailability, and tim-

ing are more important than quantity.

Remember that the rainforest doesn’t use chemicals and treatments to fight off pests. And yet it continues to

thrive without our help. That’s because the occasional sick plant is removed with the help of the decomposing

pests while the strong naturally resist. Apply this mindset to your growing environment and many of your pest

problems will go away.

siLicic AciD WITH SYNERGISTIC MICRO-ELEMENTSSilicic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in healthy soil environments. While silicon is the second

most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust, it is not readily absorbed into biologic tissues in common forms

(potassium silicate, calcium silicate, silica, etc.). Silicon is often found in larger molecules that cannot penetrate

cell walls.

The most common agriculture input forms of silicon are potassium silicate (K2SiO3) and calcium silicate (Ca2SiO4).

Much of the naturally occurring silicon is in the form of silica (SiO2). These forms when unprocessed are not bio-

available to plants.

Before the silicon can be taken up into the roots and throughout the tissue it must first be converted by mi-

crobes into silicic acid by a process called silicification. This natural process is slow and can take weeks or months

to occur in any meaningful amounts.

For short-term crop applications, speed and bioavailability are critical. Many times crops are grown and harvest-

ed in a matter of weeks or months. In greenhouse environments growing medium is frequently discarded or

sterilized before reuse. This destroys the micro-life populations and minimizes the process of silicification.

WHY HAS THIS NOT bEEN DISCUSSED IN MODERN AGRICULTURE?

Proper scientific studies are difficult due to the fact it is nearly impossible to have a control

group during research, since silicon is everywhere. In addition, silicon is not considered ‘essen-

tial’ for plant growth. Only recently has it even been classified as a beneficial nutrient. It seems

because of its pervasiveness, silicon has simply been taken for granted.

While silicon is not considered essential to plant development, the effects of silicon in plants

are remarkable. And without bioavailable silicon, plants don’t achieve their greatest potential. It’s easy to see why

many growers have problems in their garden when bioavailable silicon is not present. Silicon is responsible for

increasing dry weight, strengthening plant tissue, balancing and increasing nutritional uptake and assimilation,

immunity, and resistance to all forms of biotic and abiotic stress.

With these kinds of benefits, it is critical for growers of all types to understand the power of silicic acid and make

it a regular part of their fertilizer program.

THREE PRIMARY EFFECTS OF SILICIC ACID IN PLANTS

1. Mechanical – Builds structure and resistance against stress

Deposits silicon directly into the out layer of the cell creating a rigid barrier and more solid structure.

silicon

Si28.086

14

2. nutritional - Increased and balanced uptake of nutrients

Pressurizes the plant sap to allow better and more even flow of nutrients throughout the plant circulatory

system.

3. immunity - Stimulates plant’s immune system

Triggers the production of immunity compounds as well as pulling silicon to the point of attack to rebuild

and strengthen tissue.

In nature, silica exists in polymer form because it is stable. These are long chains of molecules. In order for

plants to use silicic acid it must be in monomer form (single molecule. Pure silicic acid, when stabilized as in

SILAMOL, is ‘packed’ in polymer form. It ‘unpacks’ into monomer form when added to clean water, which allows

it to enter the plant and carry nutrients along with it (like boron, molybdenum, zinc, and copper). Over time

silicic acid will repolymerize, which is why it’s important to mix fresh nutrients and feed immediately.

Study: Silicon Bio-Availability (The Netherlands)

Many growers are familiar with the benefits of including silicon in their feeding regimen. However, it must be

understood that no matter how much silica product is added, if it is not in bioavailable form, then it’s a waste of

money and resources.

In 2008, a multi-national fertilizer company worked with Agro Solutions in Holland to perform a controlled study

on the uptake of various forms of silicon. The goal was to determine the actual silicon content within plant tissue

and surrounding soil after the trial period. This test would show which form of silicon amendment was most

effective.

Si

OH

OH

OH

OH Si

OH

OH

OH Si

OH

OH

OH Si

OH

OH

OH

Monomer - usable

Polymer - UNusable

B

Mo

This particular study did not look at other effects such as pest resistance, plant health, plant growth and size,

or soil health. The test was simple. Four one-hectare plots of land planted with turf. The trial lasted for only six

weeks and all fertilizer and soils were identical.

Plot 1 – Control, no silicon amendment

Plot 2 – Calcium Silicate – 2,000 kg

Plot 3 – Potassium Silicate – 5,000 kg

Plot 4 – Silicic Acid (from Silamol) - 1.5 kg

At the end of the six-week trial, tissue samples were taken

from multiple points in each plot and analyzed for silicon

content. The results are incredible.

Most plants are roughly 80% water and 20% plant material.

This means that if there is 6% silicon content in the plant

tissue, when dried, silicon makes up to 30% of the dry weight

of grass. Grass is particularly heavy on silicon usage but many

other plants can contain silicon at around 8-15% of total dry weight if grown properly.

Notice also that the difference of uptake between the control (untreated) and the typical agricultural silicon

amendments is marginal. This is because of the time required for the process of silicification. This is especially

important to many annual crops where cycles are short.

ControlNo Silicon

ammendments added

2,000 kg Calcium Silicate

Ca2SiO4

PLOT 1 PLOT 2

Actual Silicon (Si) Content2,000 kg x 65% Si = 1,250 kg Si

5,000 kgPotassium Silicate

K2O3Si

1.5 kgSilicic Acid

Si(OH)4

PLOT 3 PLOT 4

Actual Silicon (Si) Content5,000 kg x 25% Si = 1,250 kg Si

Actual Silicon (Si) Content1.5 kg x 1.6% Si = 24 grams Si

0.0%

1.5%

3.0%

4.5%

6.0%

Control Calcium Silicate Potassium Silicate Silicic Acid (FaSilitor)

Soil Tissue

Silica

Leve

ls (%

solub

le Si

in tis

sue/

soil)

WHAT SILICON DOES INSIDE PLANTS

Many growers are familiar with the benefits of including silicon in their feeding regimen. However, it must be

understood that no matter how much silica product is added, if it is not in bioavailable form, then it’s a waste of

money and resources.

Most of the silicon in plants exists as an insoluble form of silica (SiO2- nH20) in leaf blades and leaf sheaths. Here

it provides rigidity, and helps minimize water loss, as well as presenting a hard barrier to fungal pathogens and

insect pests.

Below are brief explanations of how silicon (from silicic acid) works in plants:

Increases resistance to abiotic stress (environmental: temperature, wind, drought)

When silicon is deposited in cell walls, a rigid structure is created, much like a brick or stone wall cemented

together. Cells are able to maintain their shape amid environmental attacks. When the wind blows and bends a

stem in one direction, cells on the downwind side are compressed. Silicon makes firmer cells that compress less

when bent.

In the case of drought, stronger cell walls are better at managing water balance inside the cells. Imagine filling a

water balloon full—the balloon is firm and taught. Then as you deflate (letting water out), the skin of the balloon

becomes soft and soggy. This is why dry plants droop. Stronger cells keep their structural integrity for longer.

Perfect water pressurebalance in and out of cell

Normalpressure

inside cellholds cellular

structureand shape

Drought lowers waterpressure outside cell

Water movesout of cell to seekosmotic balance,

cell losesstructure

Osmotic balance Osmotic imbalance

Cell maintainsstructure and

retains water forlonger evenunder stress

Osmotic imbalancewith silicic acid

Increases resistance against biotic stress (pests and pathogens)

Many attacking insects must somehow puncture the wall of the plant ‘skin’ in order to suck the fluid, eat the

tissue, or burrow inside. By increasing the thickness of cell walls with silicon deposits, many of these tiny insects

are unable to break the surface of the cell.

We have performed numerous studies on this effect. See the images below of the stalk borer larvae as tested on

sugar cane.

Study: Sugar Cane Stalk Borer Larvae (South Africa)

It is easy to see the larvae attempting to bore into the treated sugar cane has its mouth parts dulled and ren-

dered useless. This experiment has been performed with similar results on a variety of crops and biting, piercing,

and boring pests.

The above images come from a South African study on silicic acid. The findings from the study showed:

• Reduction in stalk length bored = max 63%

• Reduction in borer survival rate = max 59%

• Reduction in borer mass = max 62%

• 60% of the region’s soils are deficient in silicon

• Losses of up to 30 tones a hectare

• Silicon is even more effective in case of water stress

• No Si impact on sugar quality has yet been observed

Untreated Treated with silicic acid

Overall the study found: “It is now estimated that applying silicon (from silicic acid) prevents the loss of 20% if

not 30% of the sugar yield.” Simply by increasing the plant’s natural resistance.

Study: Silicon Versus Fungal Infections (Canada)

Silicon deposits in the epidermal cells of plants act as a barrier

against penetration of invading fungi such as powdery mildew and

Pythium. To penetrate the leaves, a pathogen must get through

the wax (no problem), then penetrate this hard, rigid layer of silica

mineral, before it even reaches the cell wall.

Most important to understand is that the silica doesn’t kill the

pathogen, but rather makes the host plant inhospitable to the

pathogen. By blocking the fungal spores from attaching, the plant

maintains it’s health and strength. This the best preventative ap-

proach, and how nature prefers. (Figure 1)

There are also compelling studies showing plants moving extra

silicic acid to points of attack and stresses, such as insects, fungi, or

breakage, in effort to resist and repair. This is much like when we

get a cut and platelets in our blood rush to the cut to create a clot

while the wound heals. The additional silicon deposits create even

stronger tissue. (Figure 2)

Silicon must be readily available in soluble form

(silicic acid) at the point of infection/attack to be

effective. This effect has been shown on many

different plant species.

Since silicon is deposited into the cell walls within

about 24 hours of uptake, it is crucial to maintain a

constant supply from early stages until the end to

achieve this immunity effect.

Figure 1: Cucumber leaf with and without silicon

Figure 2: Increased soluble silicon (white) moved to point of fungal spores (yellow)

Improves uptake, absorption and utilization of nutrients

There is a remarkable effect silicic acid has on the uptake of other nutrients. Think of it as a train engine that

helps pull other ‘cars’ throughout the plant sap. Silicic acid is particularly good at increasing the transport of

heavy, immobile minerals like Calcium.

Silicic acid is a ‘sticky’ fluid molecule. When present, the pressure of the vascular system (like our circulatory sys-

tem) increases. Imagine a hose filled with tiny particles of sand (nutrients). If a trickle of water (plant sap) moves

through the hose, most of the particles stay put. If the water pressure is increased to a heavy flow, more of the

sand particles are pushed through the hose.

Plants don’t have muscles in the same way we do. Instead elements move around the plant by suction, pressure,

and molecular interaction. Lower pressure created by synthetic fertilizers and overwatering makes heavier mole-

cules less mobile. By increasing the pressure, minerals are more easily carried throughout the plant.

With higher pressure inside, all other minerals in various forms are more easily moved throughout the plant to

where the plant needs them. This vascular pressure is especially important for larger plants with heavy branching

as more energy is required to move nutrients along these complex and far-reaching pathways.

Low pressure High pressure

Ca

Mg

K

P

S

K

P

K

P

Ca

S

Mg

Ca

K

Ca

Mg

K

P

S

K

P

K

P

Ca

S

Mg

Ca

K

Ca

Ca

Mg Silicic acid

Low

, im

bala

nced

upt

ake

Incr

ease

d , b

alan

ced

upta

ke

Nutrients

Stronger cell structures and epidermis layer creating stronger plants and thicker stems (increases dry weight)

Silicic acid is absorbed into the plant tissue and deposited into the epidermis layer of each cell within about 24

hours. This layer acts like the mortar in a brick or stone wall, holding the shape and structure of the cells.

With this added silicon, the plant is not only strong but it now contains a permanent additional layer of silicon

that stays in place for the life of the cell. This is why it’s important to provide silicic acid throughout the life of the

plant so each new cell receives this treatment.

Study: Detection of Silicon with Electronic Micro-sensor

Reduces and controls the space between internodes caused by tem-perature stress and unbalanced nutrition

As discussed before, plants have specific goals. One of the goals is production and yield. Plants want to produce

more flower sites because that means more fruit development, and thus, more chance of being fertilized and

passing genetics on to the next generation. So if environmental and nutritional conditions are ideal, the plant

will create more nodes and shorten node spacing to allow for more potential flower sites.

Figure 2-3 Untreated plant cells

Figure 2-3 Plants treated with silicic acid have a visibly stronger cell wall

Some of the reasons plants have longer internode space (less overall flower sites):

1) Temperature differential (DIF) between day and night

2) Improperly formed cell structure from high nitrate and other salt levels

3) Overdose and deficiency of specific nutrients

4) Heat and moisture stress

The mechanical and nutritional effects of silicic acid help to buffer against these types of stress and allow the

plant to grow how it wants. By providing better structure and more natural growth patterns, the plant is ulti-

mately healthier and able to produce higher yields and improve quality factors.

Increases resistance against salinity (nutrient salt buildup)

Too many salts is one of the biggest problems indoor and outdoor gardeners face. Mostly because modern

nutrients are made up of mostly salts. And we’ve been taught that more is better! Silicic acid helps to increase

and balance nutrition so less overall inputs are needed. This generally means non-salt nutrients become more

available for uptake so they can balance out over-salinized growing mediums.

Additionally, the effect silicic acid has on cell structure provides additional buffer against saline conditions. There

is not a direct act on reducing levels of salt, but plants are shown to grow better with less shock in these circum-

stances when silicic acid is present.

Reduces transpiration (loss of moisture from the leaves)

Transpiration is one of the main ways that plants pull nutrients from lower portions to upper portions. Depend-

ing on the ambient moisture (relative humidity), moisture from the plant (and oxygen) is released from stomata

on the leaf surface. This action creates a vacuum in the vascular system of the plant, which then ‘pulls’ water and

nutrients further into the plant.

When a plant craves more nutrients, it will increase the level of transpiration in effort to bring in more nutri-

ent-rich water from the roots and lower plant parts. If the vascular system is functioning properly, the plant has

sufficient nutrients, so less transpiration is required. Silicic acid is shown to help the plant naturally manage

osmoregulation through the better functioning of stomata.


COntaCt InFORMatIOn

Frontline Growing Products 81 Adel Drive St Catharines, Ontario Canada. L2M-3W9

Sales and Technical Questions:

Contact infoDave de Haan1-289-668-6131

Email: [email protected]

CHerrY toMatoes

Weight per fruit +12%

Brix +9%

Dry Weight +7%

straWBerries


Firmness +9%

Brix +14%

Shelf life +5 days

WaterMelons

Firmness of pulp +24%

Thickness of peel +33%

Production +10%

Brix +6%

Melons

Fusarium attacks -34%

Weight +39%

Brix +14%

Nutrient uptake N +15%P +8%K +8%

Ca +14%Mg +29%

aPPles

Fruit size +7%


Firmness +33%

Color +63%

graPes

Weight +49%

Botrytis attacks -64%

KiWi


Diameter +6%

Longer shelf life

Pears


Psyllids attack -60%

Better sorting +7%

aPriCots

Yield (kg) +11%

Firmness +13%

Brix +23%

CroP sPeCiFiC resUlts

toMatoes

Increased yield +9 to +29%

Water consumption - 6 - 10%

Reduced salinity stress

Cereal grains

Growth under stress +15%

Dry weight under stress +12%

Fungal attacks - 80%

FrenCH green Beans

Increased yield +27 to +57%

Better growth of root system

WHeat

Growth under salinity stress +3 to +94%

Growth under water stress +9 - 111%

CHiCorY

Increased yield +27%

onion


Better sorting (larger caliber)

roses

Powdery mildew -58%

Downy mildew -61%

Aphids -61%

Potatoes


BaBY Carrots

Harvest weight +14%

Better sorting (caliber) +18%

More plants per sq meter

green PePPers

Firmness of fruit +9%


These are summaries of controlled studies of the various crops. This is intended to show the consistent im-proved results of supplementing with SILAMOL. More data is available upon request.

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